Intan Setiawanty, Jakarta – The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have identified 15 students of Trisakti University as suspects following a skirmish during the 27th-anniversary demonstration of the reformation movement on Wednesday, May 21, in front of Jakarta City Hall.
The students have been detained for their alleged involvement in various criminal acts, including incitement, assault, and violence against police officers.
"From the investigation conducted by the police, 15 out of 93 detained individuals have been designated as suspects," said Sr. Comr. Ade Ary Syam Indradi, Head of Public Relations for the Jakarta Metro Police, at the Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters today, May 23.
Ade Ary explained that the suspects were identified through compelling evidence, including medical reports on injuries sustained by seven police officers, as well as video documentation on a flash drive. Based on this evidence, investigators determined the individual roles of the students accused of collectively committing violence.
"They committed criminal acts of incitement, assault, violence, and resistance against law enforcement," he clarified, adding that the incident escalated when demonstrators attempted to force their way into the City Hall compound and attacked security officers stationed at the entrance gate.
The police have charged the suspects under multiple articles of the Criminal Code, including Article 160 on incitement, Article 170 on collective violence, Article 351 on assault, and Articles 212, 216, and 218 on resistance against law enforcement. The potential sentences for these offenses range from four months to six years in prison.
Out of the 93 individuals initially taken into custody, the police have released 78 students and handed them over to their respective families.
Meanwhile, authorities are still pursuing an additional suspect, identified by the initials MAA, who was not among the initial 93 detainees. "In total, there are 16 individuals designated as suspects," Ade confirmed.
Three of the suspects also tested positive for THC in urine tests, one of whom, identified as ZFP, is now considered a suspect in both incitement and violence against law enforcement. All named suspects are students; some were reportedly wearing university jackets and campus task force uniforms at the time of their arrest.
Ade further noted that the investigation process is being conducted with legal assistance. "Legal assistance has been provided by the university's legal aid organization," he stated.
The Trisakti student demonstration had previously gone viral on social media due to the visible turmoil, which clearly showed pushing and physical altercations between the demonstrators and the police force.
The group of Trisakti students organized the protest to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the reformation movement, which falls annually on May 21. Among their key demands was the declaration of the four Trisakti students who were shot and killed during the 1998 Trisakti Tragedy, namely Elang Mulia Lesmana, Heri Hertanto, Hafidin Royan, and Hendriawan Sie, as national heroes.